Solar Simulators (Sun Simulator): What Are They, What Are They Used For, Their Place in R&D and Test Processes, and Classification Criteria

An environment, or test area, defined as standard test conditions is needed to determine the properties of cells, which are photovoltaic elements used in the production of solar panels, and to carry out tests. Standard test conditions cannot be provided in outdoor studies because environmental conditions are constantly changing.

Solar simulators create a stable artificial light source by imitating some properties of natural sunlight in a laboratory environment. The properties of this artificial light source, such as homogeneity, intensity, and spectrum range (wavelength), are very close to natural sunlight in terms of these properties. In other words; it is an artificial light source that has the properties of natural sunlight and is used in a laboratory environment.

With the help of these systems and devices, tests can be carried out under standard test conditions independently of outdoor conditions.

Solar simulators are used to create the conditions defined as standard test conditions, , AM 1.5 G and 1000 W/m2 in a laboratory environment. In this way, the properties of solar cells, which are photovoltaic elements, are determined. Their main areas of use can be listed as follows:25^∘ "C" 

• Creating Standard Test Conditions: It provides 1000 w/m2 irradiance intensity, AM1.5 G spectrum, and a cell temperature of 25° according to IEC standards.
• Obtaining the I-V Curve Characteristics: I-VP_maxIt enables the creation of current-voltage () graphs of photovoltaic cells and panels, and the calculation of maximum power point (), fill factor (Fill Factor), and efficiency values.
• Device Calibration: It is used for the calibration of precision sensors (WPVS reference cell, irradiance sensor, pyranometer) used in efficiency measurements and analyses of Solar Power Plants, in accordance with internationally accepted standards (IEC 60904 and ISO 9847).
• Fault Detection and Quality Control: It is used in quality control steps such as micro-crack detection and checking soldering faults in photovoltaic panel production lines.
• Research and Development and Test Activities: It ensures that repeatable, repeatable, and standard test processes proceed reliably with standard test conditions created in the laboratory environment.

Solar simulators are classified according to the IEC 60904-9 standard, based on performance criteria. Solar simulators are classified based on 3 main criteria during classification. These criteria are;

1. Spectral Match: It shows how close the device light source is to the AM 1.5G solar spectrum. The evaluation is carried out in the wavelength range between 300 nm - 1200 nm according to the IEC 60904-9:2020 standard.
2. Irradiance Homogeneity (Spatial Non-Uniformity): It defines how equal the irradiance intensity values are at different points in the operating area of the device.
3. Temporal Instability (Temporal Instability): It indicates the amount of fluctuation in light intensity during the operating time of the device.

Note: The simulator class is written with three letters (e.g. A+A+A+, AAA, ABA). The general class is determined by the lowest of the three criteria.

As Argesim Teknoloji, the production of a stable-stabilized solar simulator at Class AAA level under the BallastCo brand is carried out with domestic and national resources. You can use the link for technical information.https://ballastco.net/tr/gunes-simulatoru